Volcanoes and Ice Caves
New Mexico has some sites that
reveal its volcanic history. You won't find any ACTIVE volcanoes,
but you can climb around and into some old ones, view some huge
calderas (a broad, crater like basin of a volcano, formed by
an explosion or by the collapse of the cone), become awed by
some interesting ice caves, and relax while driving through some
gorgeous scenery.
- Bandera
Volcano and Ice Caves
- The "Land of Fire and Ice" on the Continental Divide
in northern New Mexico. A MUST SEE attraction! Walk through old-growth
Juniper, Fir and Ponderosa Pine trees, over the ancient lava
trail to the Ice Cave. Located in part of a collapsed lava tube,
the ice caves temperature never rises above 31 F. The natural
layers of perpetual ice glisten blue-green in the reflected rays
of sunlight. Then, another trail winds around the side of the
Bandera Volcano to view one of the best examples of a volcanic
eruption in the country. Also visit the Old Time Trading Post.
Grants, NM (888) ICE-CAVE
- Capulin Volcano National Monument -
1,000-foot tall symmetrical volcanic cinder cone that you can
walk into! Two different trails offer unique vistas and a chance
to see lots of wildlife. One trail takes you inside the volcano;
the other takes you around the rim of the volcano. Located 12
miles west of Des Moines, NM. (505) 278-2201
- El
Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area -
Lava flows, lava tubes, ice caves, sandstone bluffs, Ventana
Arch and various archeological sites! Located in the "badlands"
near Grants, NM. (505) 783-4774
- Valley of Fires - Interesting
lava flow from a volcanic eruption which happened over 1,500
years ago. Youngest formation of lava in the United States. Visitor
center, gift shop, 19 sheltered campsites. Open 24/7. Located
four miles west of Carrizozo, NM on US Hwy 380. (505) 648-2241
- Valle Grande
- Valle Grande is one of the largest measurable calderas* on
the planet and encompasses about 175 square miles on the Valle Caldera National Preserve.
A beautiful 48 mile drive, scenery, hot springs and wildlife.
Near Los Alamos, NM (505) 661-3333
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